Pasadena, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

040 bars establishing or maintaining an outdoor dining area in the public right-of-way without a written permit from the director of public works. 060 sets eight required findings before a permit can issue: the activity meets chapter standards, does not unduly interfere with adjoining owners' and tenants' use of the right-of-way, is complementary to and consistent with the city's underlying dedication and title in the right-of-way, is compatible with surrounding neighborhood uses, does not impede travel or create a safety hazard, does not unlawfully alter the abutting property's approved use, and that the abutting property already holds all necessary zoning approvals; an eighth finding governs whether alcohol service will be allowed, based on whether it would create a nuisance or public-safety danger.

065 layers on physical standards: the public walkway occupied must be at least 10 feet wide with 5 feet of unobstructed passage, obstructions cap at 4 feet in height and must be entirely portable, no visual obstructions are allowed, smoking is banned in the permitted area, and dining areas cannot sit within 20 feet of an intersection or 10 feet of a driveway or alley. Only the operator of the abutting business may hold the permit, and it is nontransferable. 066, and a sign reading "People consuming alcohol outside of this outdoor dining area are subject to arrest. 010" must be posted; quarterly alcohol sales cannot exceed food sales.